Red-c Roundup

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Pam Marvin visited with Fr. Will Straten, Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Station, TX.  Fr. Straten shared his vocation and life story from his early days growing up in Tours, TX. Fr. Will spoke about the wary influences in his faith, especially in his own family and in his community members and local clergy. Next, Fr. Will shared about his experiences in college and his call to the seminary and subsequently, the priesthood. Next, Pam and Fr. Will spoke about the Eucharistic Revival taking place in the Austin Diocese and in the Catholic Church, worldwide. Both shared their thoughts and their heart in the Eucharist and what it means to them.

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Judy Comeaux visited with Dianna Jetter, Pastoral Associate at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station and Karen Candelas, Gabriel Project Coordinator at Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin.  Our guests spoke about a new Brazos Deanery-level project within the Austin Diocese of Walking With Moms and Dads in Need.  The program is of tremendous support in the financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of mothers and fathers who are in need of such services. Dianna also spoke about the new Brazos Deanery website, bcsdeanery.org and the resources and information that can be found there, including the help that the Stephen Ministry offers. Karen also spoke about her work at CCCTX with the Gabriel Project and St. Gabriel’s Pregnancy and Parenting Program.

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Dr. Thaddeus Romansky visited with Dr. Timothy Logan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station.  Dr. Logan is the Director of the Houston Lightning Mapping Array (HLMA) Network and also performs research in aerosol-cloud interactions, aerosol chemistry, biomass burning smoke, and atmospheric electricity.  Dr. Romansky spoke with Dr. Logan about the intersection of Faith and Science and about his life and journey of faith from Southern Baptist to a Catholic Convert.  Tim also shared his love of family and his work, as well as his devotion to our Blessed Mother.  Tim interwove his thought on God as our Creator and how He can be seen throughout all of the scientific world and how Faith and Science are not at all opposed to one another.

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Deacon Mike Beauvais visited with Julia Mishler, Principal, and Maria Sotolongo, Director of Development and Admissions, from St. Joseph Catholic School in Bryan, TX. Our guests spoke first about about their Catholic Faith journeys and their life backgrounds that led them both to their work at St. Joseph. The topic for the remainder of the show was the question, “What makes Catholic education different than public education?”  Insights from all sides of the spectrum were given, as the guests have had family and professional experience in public school, home school, and in Catholic school. The importance  of addressing the needs of students in their entirety: mind, body, and spirit in a Catholic environment and culture of belonging was shared throughout the remainder of this episode. Both Julia and Maria finished up the episode speaking about what they are both most excited about for the future at St. Joseph Catholic School.

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Pam Marvin interviewed United States Congressman, Pete Sessions. Pam and Congressman Sessions first spoke about his life background growing up in the San Antonio, Texas area and into his college years. The conversation continued into his career life and how he became involved in politics and running for public office. Pam then had Congressman Sessions speak about his current role as a congressman and multiple different current topics that affect people of faith: redistricting, the first and second amendments, religious freedom, pro-life legal issues, immigration, and drug trafficking. Finally, a discussion of living a life of faith in the public square was held, and how our lives of faith should guide us in all we do. 

On Wednesday, June 22, host Judy Comeaux spoke with the pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bryan about the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Fr. Brian especially emphasized that Anointing is not reserved to those who are in danger of death. It is a sacrament of healing—rooted in Scripture and instituted by Christ like all the sacraments—meant for any Catholic who is about to undergo major surgery, carries the cross of a chronic disease, or faces the burden of a regular treatment regimen for their disease. He explained that Catholics should also make sure that they are availing themselves not only of the sacrament of anointing regularly, but doing so in combination with regular confession. Remember, when choosing between the values of heaven and the values of earth, always round up!

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Dr. Thaddeus Romansky interviewed Debbie Juhlke from Embrace Initiative and a Member of the Board of Directors of Texas Alliance for Life in Austin, TX. Embrace (https://friendsofembrace.org) is a local non-profit organization that educates, empowers, mobilizes, and supports people of color. Embrace empowers expecting mothers and fathers to make healthy choices that not only benefit their overall wellbeing, but also encourage life, love, and support of future generations. Thaddeus spoke with Debbie about her life growing up initially as a Baptist and her family’s conversion to the Catholic Faith. She spoke about her lifetime care and concern for children of all ages which led to her becoming a nurse. Debbie also spoke about her call to ministry to the black communities in Central Texas, teaching them about the pro-life topic and educating pastors and their parishioners about the cause of life.  Debbie and Thaddeus also discussed the specific threat that abortion is to peopl

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Deacon Mike Beauvais interviewed Deacon Dan Lupo from St. Thomas More parish in the Diocese of Austin, who serves with Deacon Mike on the Diocese Committee on Eucharistic Revival.   This year the Diocese of Austin begins a journey of Eucharistic Revival starting in 2022 and for the next three years, in which every Catholic diocese, parish, school, apostolate, and family are invited to be a part of renewing the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Both Deacons also spoke about the opening event of a Diocesan Corpus Christi Mass and Eucharistic Procession on June 18th in Austin. When considering the many ways in which you can share your time, talent, and treasure with the people of God, always Roundup!

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Judy Comeaux interviewed Kristofer and Beth Cowles, Founders and Directors of Holy Owned and Operated, an Apostolate for all things family, including online resources such as their website (https://holyownedandoperated.com/) and podcast lessons for all. Judy continues her series on the Sacraments with Kristofer and Beth on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. They stated once again the definition of a sacrament and what grace is, and they discussed what is specifically entailed in the Sacrament of Marriage according to our Church teaching. The show also focused on Marriage as the foundation of all society, as well as the Church established by Christ. Practical information was also given on marriage discernment, as well as the preparation steps and issues to cover. When choosing between the values of heaven and the values of the world, always Roundup!

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Pam Marvin interviews her cohost Megan Silas of their podcast Shoulder 2 Shoulder for a crossover episode!  Pam and Megan dive deep into the history, testimony, and intriguing story of Megan’s being given the gift of tongues.  And remember, as Pam always says at the end of each episode, go and love your neighbor!

On Tuesday, May 11 post Thaddeus Romansky spoke with Dorothy Hargrave and Luis Rodarte of the Labouré Society. The Labouré Society exists to increase vocations by helping prospective seminarians and religious to raise money towards paying off outstanding student loan debt. Most dioceses and religious communities require aspirants to be debt-free prior to entering seminary or religious formation. Dorothy and Luis both spoke about how they became involved with Labouré, how much Luis has benefited from his fundraising efforts and training, and how contributing to the debt reduction efforts of aspirants joins ordinary Catholics in a tangible way towards the renewal of clerical life in the United States. You can learn more about the Labouré Society and join in their efforts by visiting rescuevocations.org. 

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Deacon Mike Beauvais interviewed John Paci, Director of Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Bryan.  Deacon Mike first spoke with John about his family and family background, as well as what being him personal joy. Also discussed was the success of their recent benefit luncheon and the services that CCCTX provides to those in need. Specifically, John detailed who CCCTX helps and the services they provide in 6 different programs: 1.) financial stability, 2.) immigration legal services, 3.) St. Michael’s veterans assistance program, 4.) mental health and counseling services, and 5.) St. Gabriel pregnancy and parenting program.  And remember, when discerning the many ways in which we can share our time, talent and treasure with the people of God, always Roundup!

This week on RED-C Roundup our host Judy Comeaux interviews Barbara Svatek, leader of the RED-C Moses Ministry prayer group, about the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Both Barbara and Judy, having years of involvement as a youth ministry leaders, share the meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation and its impact on our individual lives and on the Church as a whole. And remember, when choosing between the values of heaven and the values of the world, always Roundup!

This week on RED-C Roundup our host, Pam Marvin, interviews Deacon Dave Mayes from St. Thomas Aquinas in College Station.  Pam and Deacon Dave spoke about the inspiration behind and the building up of his new Camino de la Paz Retreat Center just north of Bryan, TX.  Deacon Dave shared some of his early life and vocation stories, both in marrying the love of his life, Vancy, and becoming a deacon in 2007.  He also shared the inspiration he received while walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain after Vancy's death.  God has led Deacon Dave to now open a retreat center on his property, and the stories of triumphs and near disasters along the way were also shared during this inspirational episode of RED-C Roundup!

This week on RED-C Roundup our host, Dr. Thaddeus Romansky, interviews Dr. Richard DeClue, about the Vatican II major constitutions, Dei Verbum and Lumen Gentium.  Dr. DeClue is the Cardinal Henri de Lubac Fellow in Theology at the Word on Fire Institute. He specializes in systematic theology with a particular interest and expertise in the thought of Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.  Drs. Romansky and DeClue spoke first about who Cardinal Henri de Lubac was and his own involvement in the Vatican II Council formation, as well and his relationship to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. The spent the remainder of the episode discussing details of Dei Verbum and Lumen Gentium and their meaning and implications for the Church today.

This week on RED-C Roundup our host, Deacon Mike Beauvais, interviews artist and speaker, Ali Hoffman, about the role of beauty in spreading the good news of our Catholic Faith.  Deacon Mike and Ali first spoke about the beauty of scripture and how the Bible originally was not only beautiful for the words but also for handwritten calligraphy and the artwork. Both also discussed the nature of beauty and what it does for the human soul, as well as how it points to higher and divine things, as well as helping us to worship the one true God.  The discussion also covered how beauty in our world impacts their personal faith lives. So, when considering the many ways in which you might share your time, talents, and treasure with the people of God, always round up!

Host Pam Marvin visited with Dr. Stephen Braden about his love for and experience with medical mission work.  Stephen Braden, M.D. is a family physician in Bryan, Texas.  A husband, father, and grandfather, he is active in his home parish of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and writes from the perspective of his own experiences and encounters with the voice of the Spirit.  Pam and Dr. Braden covered his recently published book, The Noise and the Silence: A Texas Doctor Learns to Hear God.  Blessed to be a part of over 40 medical missions to Latin America, Jamaica, and Hait, Dr. Braden has felt the amazing presence of the Holy Spirit on numerous occasions. Inspiration, encouragement, and teaching have come in moments of trial and challenge as well as in unexpected graces and consolations. Sharing our stories can further unite us as the Body of Christ. Dr. Braden's messages for each of us meet us right where we are, so open your ears and listen to both the Noise and the Silence in this episode of RED-C Roundup!

Host Judy Comeaux visited with Fr. James Misko, Vicar General for the Diocese of Austin.  Their discussion centered around the role of Vicar General, Fr. James' personal vocation story, and the three Pillars of Lent.  This was a fascinating and endearing discussion with a tremendous man of God that you certainly do not want to miss!

Host Pam Marvin visited with Fr. Paul-Michael Piega, Pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hutto, Texas about liturgical norms of our Catholic Faith.  This episode began by discussing the need for catechesis for the family and the laity, in general.  In this light, this show then focused on multiple norms within the liturgy of the Holy Mass for both the clergy and the laity, and the meanings and reasoning behind each norm discussed.  And as always, when choosing between the values of Heaven and the values of Earth, always Roundup!

Host Deacon Mike Beauvais visits with Deacon Ralph Poyo of New Evangelization Ministries on this episode of RED-C Roundup. Deacon Poyo first shared his personal faith background and his vocation story from his Catholic upbringing, to his years in youth ministry, to his leap of faith into the diaconate then into his current work with New Evangelization Ministries. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the mission of New Evangelization Ministries is to build stronger Catholic parishes that will lead hearts to Christ. Deacon Ralph leads parish missions all around the country, inviting whole communities to go deeper in their lives of Faith and to evangelize the world, starting at each person’s local level.  And remember, when considering the many ways in which you might share your time, talents, and treasures with the people of God... always Roundup!